Sunday, August 14, 2011

Prequels & sequels better than the original? Is the original film in a series always the best? We're not so sure. As the fourth film in the "Spy Kids" franchise, "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" , comes out Aug. 19, we take a look at how that franchise and other movie series have fared at the box office. Whether the original, prequel or sequel reigns supreme will long be a subject of much debate among film fans. But let's see how the numbers shake out. spy kids, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World.

'Spy Kids' director Robert Rodriguez's family

This action-adventure film series follows the children of spy parents as they tackle various missions. It stars one of the leads from "Repo! the Genetic Opera" and this former judge of "America's Most Talented Kids," and "Spy Kids" fans can look forward to seeing the fourth installment in cinemas this month.

Who are the characters Gregorio, Carmen and Juni named after? director Robert Rodriguez's family

'Terminator'

This science fiction series follows a struggling human race as it fights against the artificial intelligence system Skynet. It stars this Austrian-born actor, bodybuilder and former governor of California.

What was the famous catchphrase "I'll be back" originally scripted as? "I'll come back" Terminator original script

'Star Wars' Prequel Trilogy

This trilogy of prequels follows the life of young Anakin Skywalker as he is trained by Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi .

Trivia:

Which famous actress plays the love interest of Anakin Skywalker? Natalie Portman

'Star Wars' original trilogy

How do the prequels stack up against the original trilogy? It's good vs. evil in space as Luke Skywalker battles the masked Darth Vadar . With his performance as Han Solo, it marks one of two film franchises to propel this actor to fame . Another beneficiary was this "General Hospital" alumnus, who plays hero Luke Skywalker.

Trivia:

On what famous filmmaker did creator George Lucas reportedly base the character of Han Solo? Francis Ford Coppola

'Harry Potter'

Boy wizard Harry Potter tries to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort in this film series, a record breaker at the box office. This Ivy League student and this English actor play Harry's helpful best friends .

Trivia:

Who was first to be cast in this epic series? Robbie Coltrane

'Pirates of the Caribbean'

Captain Jack Sparrow'spirate escapades are documented as he tries to evade capture. The first three films also star this new dad and this Oscar-nominated English actress .

Trivia:

The female lead was replaced with this Spanish actress for the latest film. penelope cruz

'Alien'

Space lieutenant Ellen Ripley must fight against an unruly alien. Watch the eerie trailer for the original. Star Beast was the original title of Alien

Trivia:

What was the title of "Alien" originally? Star Beast was the original title of Alien

'The Matrix'

Computer hacker Neo must battle a simulated reality called the Matrix.

Trivia:

What big-name star turned down the role of Neo? Nicolas Cage

'Spider-Man'

Shy Peter Parker turns into comic book superhero Spider-Man who must fight against evil villains.

Trivia:

Which "Harry Potter" director was offered the job on "Spider-Man"? Chris Columbus

'Austin Powers'

British spy Austin Powers seeks to defeat Dr. Evil in this comedic trilogy. Both characters are played by a Canadian-born actor who was a "Saturday Night Live" alum

Trivia:

The title of the second film was changed in some places to be less offensive.The Spy Who Shioked Me

'The Godfather'

This famous trilogy stars this celebrated actor as Michael Corleone , a man whose family plays a prominent role in the Mafia.

Trivia:

Who was the first choice for director? Sergio Leone

'Back to the Future' trilogy

Teenage Marty McFly and inventor Doc Brown time-travel through the decades in this beloved trilogy.

Trivia:

Who else was considered for the role of Marty? C. Thomas Howell

'Jason Bourne' series

The Bourne series follows Jason Bourne , a former CIA assassin who becomes a target himself after breaking away from the agency. The fourth film in this series, "The Bourne Legacy," is due to be released in 2012.

Trivia:

What other famous leading man was offered the role of Jason Bourne? Brad Pitt

'Die Hard' franchise

Police detective John McClane fights criminals and terrorists in this action-heavy film series.

Trivia:

"Die Hard" was the feature film debut for which "Harry Potter" actor? Alan Rickman

'Jurassic Park' trilogy

An amusement park with cloned dinosaurs goes out of control when the dinosaurs take over . This English actor played the role of park owner in the first two films in the series.

Trivia:

In the film, these blood-sucking insects held the key to re-creating dino DNA. mosquito

'Mission: Impossible' series

Impossible Missions Force (IMF) agent Ethan Hunt has to make the impossible possible in this action series. The fourth film, "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol," is due to be released in December.

Trivia:

What Canadian actress turned down the role in this film series? Rachel McAdams

'Shrek' series

The life and adventures of green ogre Shrek are depicted in this animated series.

Trivia:

Which "Saturday Night Live" star was originally cast as Shrek? Chris Farley

'X-Men' series

The trials and tribulations of a group of superheroes, including Wolverine, are followed in this film series based on Marvel Comics characters. The next film in the series is "The Wolverine," due out in 2012.

Trivia:

The new film stars this up-and-comer. Jennifer Lawrence

'Chronicles of Narnia' series

The adventures of a group of children in the mythical world of Narnia are chronicled in this set of fantasy films based on a book series. This young English actor stars as eldest child Peter Pevensie.

Trivia:

What did the first film win an Oscar for? The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Oscar Best Achievement in Makeup

'Lord of the Rings' trilogy

The mission of hobbit Frodo Baggins and a fellowship of his companions is the subject of this fantasy trilogy set in Middle-earth and based on a book series.

Trivia:

What Irish actor was originally cast as Aragorn? Stuart Townsend

'Indiana Jones' franchise

The adventures of archaeologist Dr. Henry Jones, played by Harrison Ford, are chronicled in this Steven Spielberg-directed series.

Trivia:

What were the chilled monkey brains in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" made of?

chilled-monkey brains in Indiana Jones were made from custard and raspberry sauce

'Superman' series

The adventures of Superman, played by this Juilliard-trained actor in four of the films, are chronicled in this series. Spinoff film "Supergirl" stars this singer-songwriter-actress as Superman's cousin.

Trivia:

Who will play Superman in 2013's "Man of Steel"? henry cavill

'Rocky' series

This series about boxer Rocky Balboa was written by the actor who also starred as the title character Trivia:

What are the names of Rocky's turtles? rocky turtles are named cuff and link